Galvanometer



' March 11, 1941. F. c. ELLIS. 2234, 430

GALVANOMETER Filed April 9, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 I March 11, 1941.

- F. c. ELLIS ,234,430

GALVANOMETER Filed April 9, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. z Franc-a5 Cm ATTORNEYJ March 11, 1941.

F. c. ELLIS 2,234,430 GALVANOMETER Filed April 9, 193a 4 Shets-Sheet s JOE FQTZCLS A ATTORNEYg March 11, 1941.

F. c. ELLIS Y 2,234,430 GALVANOMETER Filed April 9,. 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 11, 1941 utures mm PATENT QFFICE 21 Qlaims.

The present invention relates to a measuring instrument and more particularly to a high sensitivity galvanometer.

Electrical current measuring means of extremely high sensitivity have heretofore comprised relatively complex structures which were extremely difiicult to operate and repair and in general required the services of a highly skilled person. Moreover, the bulk and weight of the instruments hitherto known in the artin general seriously impeded their transportability and rendered it impractical to put such instruments into service where they otherwise would be of importance.

It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide an instrument of the present class which can be readily operated and repaired by the layman and which is of such size and weight that it occupies little space and may be readily transported to and set up'at any desired place.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a precision measuring instrument of the above class in which all of the moving parts maybe properly supported and locked for transportation, and in particular to provide new means wherein the movable coil and its suspensions will become automatically locked and supported against breakage as soon as the instrument is moved from its place of support.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved lighting system for a high sensitivity galvanometer which is adapted to throw a light image on the galvanometerscale to indicate the reading of the galvanometer and in which the lighting means is completely adjustable to properly focus and aline the v light rays.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a galvanometer lighting system, as

above, wherein the light supporting means is freely removable from t -2 galvanometerand is free I to provide a lighting system for an electrical to provide a high sensitivity electrical current measuring instrument in which the lighting means is operable either from an alternating or direct current source.

The present invention more specifically comprehends the provision ofnew and improved suspension supporting means for a galvanometer coil which may bereadily controlled under an even and uniform tension to provide the proper zero adjustment of the instrument at any time and which are further vertically adjustable to support the coil at a predetermined point in the magnetic iield.

It is another object of the present invention to provide means in combination with a lower coil suspension for rendering its suspension rotationallyv adjustable about its axis, which means may be secured to the suspension exteriorly of the device and then readily and adjustably attached in conducting relationship to one terminal of the galvanometer, thereby obviating the difficulty of securing both ends of the relatively delicate suspension in position in a confined space.

It is furthermore an object of the present invention to provide improved leveling means for facilitating the situating of the instrument in such a position that the aforementioned coil will hang in proper predetermined position in the magnetic field, said leveling means comprising a portion of the coil unit in combination with sighting means for centering said portion of the coil with respect to a, fixed ring member.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a calibration circuit for a precision measuring instrument of the above type wherein a carefully calibrated resistance is employed in combination with any fixed source of direct cur-' rent and a relatively insensitive current measuring device for providing an accurately predetermined current for calibration purposes.

Among further objects of the'present invention are to provide a current measuring device wherein the source of current to be measured is always in a circuit of substantially fixed resistance. This circuit is affected only negligibly by changes in theresistance of the other measuring circuits, to the end that variations in resistance, imposed by the necessity for calibration, adjustment andthe like, will not vary the relative results obtainable from the instrument. v

Numerous other objects and advantages will more fully appear during the course and progress of the following specification.

\ Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a measuring instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the device shown in Figure 1. 6 Figure 3 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 33 in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a detail sectional elevation taken on the line 4-4 in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective detail view of the upper coil centering and supporting bracket, the parts thereof being shown in disassembled relationship.

Figure 6 is a detail sectional elevation taken on the line 6-6 in Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a sectional plan view taken on the line |1 in Figure 3.

Figure 8 is a detail sectional elevation-taken on the line 88 in Figure 3.

- Figure 9 is a perspective view of the supporting and mounting assembly for the scale lighting lamp, the parts being shown in disassembled relationship.

Figure 10 is a detail sectional elevation taken on the line Ill-40 in Figure '7.

Figure 11 is a detail sectional elevation taken on the line H-H in Figure '7.

Figure 12 is a detail perspective view 0! the parts comprising the scale lighting system, these parts being removed from the remainder of the surrounding structure in the interest of clearly illustrating the function and structure thereof.

Figure 13 is a general schematic wiring diagram of the wiring hook-up of the instrument.

Figure 14 is a more specific wiring diagram in which are represented all of the elements of the circuit and their relative interconnection.

Figure 15 is a detail wiring diagram of the electrical circuits employed in actuating the lighting means in the galvanometer.

The preferred. embodiment shown herein for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, comprises in general a casing indicated by the reference numeral 16 and three leg members I 2 which are adjustably mounted in suitable embossments M on the casing. The leg members comprise a lower rounded foot portion l6, 2. knurled handle portion l8 and a threaded rod 20 interengaging with mating threads on the interior of an aperture (not shown) in the embossments l4. It will be apparent that, slnce three of these legs or supporting members l2 are employed, the instrument may be readily leveled with respect to a supporting table or floor; aby manual adjustment of the knurled handle The casing Ill comprises a rear, upstanding, central compartment 22, shown more clearly in Figures 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8, in which a galvanometer magnet 24 is supported by fastening means 26 engaging in embossments 28 (see Figure 8). A galvanometer coil 30,is supported in the magnetic field between the ends of a magnet 24 through the agency of an upper straight sus- 5 pension 32 and a lower coil suspension 34. The

coil 30 is substantially identical with that described in my co-pending application, Serial No. 160,282, filed August 21, 1937, in which application the details thereof are fully disclosed and 70 claimed. The upper suspension 32 is releasably secured to the galvanometer coil unit as at 36 and is supported at its upper end by the upper suspension unit generally indicated by the reference numeral 38.

75 The upper suspension supporting unit 36 comcollar 52. 10

"A supporting and control rod 54 having an adjusting handle 56 is slidably arranged in the central bore of the tube 44 and the knurled member 46, and passes through a central aperture in the collar 62, being adjustably clamped there- 15V to by means of a set screw 58. The upper end of the suspension 32 is rigidly secured to the lower end of the supporting rod 54 through the agency of means 66.

It is thought that it will be apparent, from 20 the disclosure, that the weight of the galvanometer coil is supported through the suspension 32, supported in turn through the supporting rod 54 and the annular collar 52 secured thereto, the annular collar in turn resting upon the upper 25 edge of the rigidly positioned tube 44. Rotational adjustment of the coil in the magnetic field may be accomplished by manually rotating the handle 56, uniform tension being maintained during this adjustment through the agency of so the corrugated annular spring washer 62. Vertical adjustment of the coil may be had byv rotating the handle 56 until the set screw 58 is opposite the aperture 64. At this point a screw driver may be inserted through the aperture 64 35 to loosen the set screw 58 whereupon the handle 56 and the rod 54 may be moved upwardly or downwardly.

If it should be desired to replace a broken suspension 32, it is merely necessary to loosen the 40 set screw 58 in the aforementioned manner and to withdraw the rod 54 from the surrounding assembly. After the upper end of a new suspension has been attached thereto the rod 54 and the suspension may be reinserted through the coil 45 suspension support 38 to the position shown and locked in proper vertical adjustment by the set screw 58. The tension on the corrugated spring washers 62 is readily adjustable by rotating the knurled clamping member 48 upon the threaded 50 portion 46 of the tube 44.

A panel is mounted interiorly of the central compartment 22 on the rear wall thereof, as shown in Figures 3, 7 and 8, for the purpose of supporting the lower suspension terminal shown 55 in detail in Figure 6 and indicated generally by the reference numeral 66. The lower suspension terminal 66 is made of conducting material and is secured to the panel 65 by means 66 also adapted to form one electrical terminal of the suspension unit.

The lower suspension terminal 66 comprises a horizontally extending body 10 bored adjacent the end to receive the member 12 having a 65 knurled, annular, manually engageable flange 14, as well as set screw means 16 for locking the member to the body 10. The lower end or the lower suspension 34 is inserted in a recess in the top of the member 12 and locked thereto by 70 means of the'set screw 18.

This structure considerably facilitates the assembly of the lower suspension 34 since the lower end of the suspension may be locked to the mem-' ber 12 and then the latter member merely slipped I ably adjusted about its axis by manually turning the knurled flange 14. During this time there is no possibility of breakage of the suspension since it is firmly held in position in'the body member ID, as clearly shown in Figure 6. The

parts may be locked. in adjusted position by tightening the set screw 16. Rotational adjustment of the lower suspension in accordance with the present invention is of considerable importance in that it is essential to permit uniform and accurate readings on 'the instrument and to measure currents of varying direction as well as intensity.

An upper coil locking ring, shown in detail in Figure 5, is secured to the panel 65 by fastening means 80 and has an outwardly projecting flange 82 provided with an upwardly deformed central ridge 84 terminating in a tongue 86. ing adjustable ring member 88 has a pair of parallel arms 90 spaced a distance sufiiclent to slidably engage about the ridge 8%. A locking machine screw 92 threadedly engages axially of the ridge '84 so that its head extends beyond the sides of the ridge 8B and engages portions of the parallel arms 90 to clamp them securely to the flange 82. In assembled position the ring member is locked to the flange.82, as clearly shown in Figure '7, being securely positioned against displacement by the ridge 8% andthe tongue 88. This arrangement permits ready removal of the coil 36 for replacement or repair purposes merely by loosening the screw 92 and sliding the ring member 88 away from its support, as shown in Figure 5, at which position the coil shaft or suspension Y may readily pass through the slot formed between the parallel arms 9%.

A lower locking ring member 9 cooperateswith the upper locking ring member 88 to permit looking and centering of the coil in the magnetic field. The lower ring member 94 is mounted on the lever 96 fulcrumed to the rear wall of the compartment 22 as at 98, being normally urged in a counter-clockwise direction about its pivot by means of the tension spring I00 to cl-ampingly engage the coil. Release of the clamping means is effected through the agency of a cam I112 mounted on a shaft I04 extending through a side chamber I06 and exteriorly controlled by a handle I 08 (see Figure '7). The end ofthe lever 96 is provided with an adjustable cam follower III] which is maintained against the eccentric surface of the cam I02 through the agency of the spring I02. The cam is selectively held in coil looking or coil releasing position through the agency of a disk H2 integral with the cam and having a pair of spaced indentations I I4 adapted to register with the surface of a steel ball I I6 mounted in a bore I I8 in thewall ofthe casing. The ball or detent H6 is pressed against the indented surface of the disk H2 by a compression spring I22 in an adjustable threaded bushing I24. Thebushing I24 is-threadedly mounted in the rear wall of the casing so thatit may be adjustably tightened to'bear against the vertical face of the ,inFigures '7 and 11.

A cooperatcam and tension it against the action of the ball or detent H6.

With the parts in the position shown in Figures 3 and 11, it will be apparent that the coil 30 is released from contact with the rings 88 and 94 and is free to rotate under the influence of currents passing therethrough. When the control knob I08 is rotated in-a counter-clockwise direction so that the upper depression or indentation H4 is engaged by the detent H5, the lefthand end of the lever 96, as viewed in Figure 3, will be permitted to move downwardly under the influence of the spring I00 so that the coil is clamped between the two rings and is lifted bodily so that its weight is taken off the upper suspension.

Actuation of the locking rings to operative position is rendered automatic upon movement of the structure from its supporting base by an automatic locking actuator, shown more. clearly This device comprises an arm I26 rigidly secured to the end of the shaft IIl and connected to the end of the link I28 through the lost motion pin and slot connec-,- tion I30. The lower end of the link I28 is pivotally secured as sat I32 to the control finger I 34 having a weight I36 mounted thereon and being slidably mounted in a suitable aperture in the base I38 'oi the device, as shown in Figure 11. The length of the finger I34 is such that it normally rests upon the surface of the supporting table when the instrument is set up for operation and, in this position, the lost motion connection I30 permits free rotation of the shaft IM and the-control cam I02 through a suflicient arc to permit selective looking or releasing of the galvanometer coil.

It will be obvious from the above disclosure, however, that should a careless operator attempt to move the instrument without locking the coil suspension, the weight I38 will cause the control finger I34 and, the link I28 to drop and pull the arm I26 through an arc suflicient to actuate the cam to coil locking position.v It has been found that an exceptionally severe jolt may be sumcient to release the locking means by counter-acting the tension of the spring I and to prevent this occurrence a locking member I31, comprising a large headed screw, is secured in the periphery of the cam I02, as shown clearly in Figure 11. When the cam is in coil locking position, the head of the member I31 will engage over the head of the cam follower I III to lock it to the cam surface and prevent displacement.

The sighting telescope I60 is imounted. in the front wall of the compartment 22 at an angle and in a position readily accessible to the eye of the operator, for the purpose of controlling the leveling of the instrument. To this end it will be noted that the axial center line of the telescope passes squarely through the axial center of the circular aperture in the ring 88. Accordingly, it has been found a simple matter to accurately control the leveling of the instru ment by merely centering the central post or' stem of the coil with respect to the ring 58, as viewed with the telescope I43. It will be understood that the adjustable foot portions I2 will be manually actuated until this condition is reached. According to the preferred embodiment the ring and coil stem are respectively finished in an oxidized black and a chromium finish for visual contrast. r

Attention is particularly directed to the fact that in using this improved structural arrangement, the coil will always be hung in the same portion 'of the magnetic field, a condition which is not always attained where external leveling means are employed in view of the fact that the suspensions and supporting means might become slightly deranged v in service;

The lens system for lighting the galvanometer. as shown in Figure 3, is mounted in a cylin'dri cal barrel 842 which is rotatably journalled in the lefthand side wall of the central compartment 22 and is rigidly positioned axially by means of a pair of annular collars 044 secured to the barrel I42 and slidable against opposed faces of the said side Wall. Light, from a source to be hereinafter described more in detail, passes through the pair of piano-convex lenses I48, thence through the apertured plate I48 having a hair therein so as to cast a hair-line shadow upon the galvanometer scale. The light rays thence pass through the convex lens I50 to the inclined mirror I52, Figures 7 and 12, from whence they'are deflected to the galvanometer coil mirror I54 and thence to the ground glass screen or scale I56. The path of the light rays is indicated in general by the dot and dash line in Figure 12.

According to the present invention, means is provided for adjusting the position of the hairline shadow vertically upon the scale I58 and comprises an annular flange I58 rigid with the periphery of the barrel I42. A vertical rod I60 is pivoted at I62 to the flange I58 and threadedly engages at its upper end in the tubular bushing I64. The bushing has a bearing portion I66 journalled in the upper wall of the compartment 22, as clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4, and is formed at its upper exterior end to provide a control knob I88. Lock nut means I10 serves to retain the bushing in the position shown.

It will be obvious from this disclosure that manual rotation of the control knob I68 in either direction will cause the threaded tubular portion 84 of the bushing to rotate with respect to the control rod I60 to the end that this last named rod will be displaced upwardly or downwardly in accordance with the direction of rotation, thus causing the tubular barrel I42 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. Since the mirror I52 is rigidly secured to the barrel I42 through the agency of the arm I12, it will be rotated about the same axis, thus progressively changing its angle of reflection with respect to the incident rays of light and varying the level of the hairline image on the screen.

The source of light for the aforementioned lighting system is shown more clearly in Figures 3, '7, 9 and 10 and is mounted in the righthand rear compartment I14 of the construction, in

which position any heat given off thereby cannot affect the delicate working parts. For this purpose a small electric light I16 of one and onehalf candle power has been found amply adequate.

As shown more in detail in Figures 9 and 10 the electric light I16 is mounted in a conventional bayonet socket I18 which is rigidly secured in the tubular support i80 which is in turn embedded in the insulating bushing generally indicated by the numeral I82 and having a lower cylindrical portion I84 and an upper annular flange I86 in which are rigidly mounted a pair of contact prongs I88. A cap member having an upper projecting protuberance I80 adapted to form a control knob or handle terminates in a lower flange I82 adapted to be cemented or otherwise securely fastened to the upper surface of the flange l86.

It will be understood that the two conducting terminals 04 from the electric light Q18 are brought upwardly through the tube 880 and are soldered to the upper ends of the contact prongs i833, suitable grooves I90 being provided in the flange I92 to accommodate them. The electric light supporting unit is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed grooves or slots 598.

The lamp supporting unit above described seats adiustably in a sleeve 200 having an annular, outwardly projecting flange 202 at its upper edge, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. It should be noted that the sleeve is split as at 204 so that it will clampingly engage the cylindrical portion I84 of the lamp supporting unit when mounted therein, as shown in Figure 10. The supporting sleeve 200 is arranged in a relatively large aperture 208 in the upper wall of the side compartment H4.

The flange 202 of the sleeve is clampingly retained against the upper surface of the top wall of the compartment by means of a pair of resiliently mounted lugs 208. The lugs comprise cylindrical, tubular members 2I0 having a lower wall 2| 2 axially apertured to permit the passage of the flllister head machine screws 2I4.

It will be noted that the central bore of the cylindrical, tubular members 2I0 is suflicient to permit free passage" of the head of the fillister screws and compression springs 2 I6 are arranged in the annular space between the said head and the wall 2I2. Accordingly, under the influence of the springs 2I8, the cylindrical members 2I2 are at all times pressed clampingly downwardly against the flange 202 since the machine screws 2 pass through elongated slots 2 I8 in the flange 202. The flange and the entire sleeve is relatively movable in the plane of the flange against the resilient, frictional pressure of the cylindrical clamping lugs. Elongated, relatively large apertures 220 permit the contact prongs I88 to pass therethrough, preferably providing sufllcient space to prevent electrical contact.

Attention isspeciflcally directed to the fact that the grooves or notches I98 are so proportioned and arranged as to engage about the cylindrical clamping members 2I0 to position the lamp supporting assembly against rotation when it is inserted into the supporting sleeve. These grooves I98, however,-are sufliciently deep to permit linear movement of the entire assembly in either direction in the line of the slots. For example, after the parts have been assembled, as

shown in Figures '7 and 10, the handle or knob portion I80 may be grasped and the entire assembly, including the supporting sleeve 200 may ing the lamp supporting assembly within the resiliently engaging sleeve 200.

Electrical contact with the prongs I88 for the purpose of supplying electrical current to the light I16 is made through the agency of spring contact members 222 insulatingly mounted on the lower surface of the top wall of the compartment I14 through the agency of fastening means suitable receptacles on the base casting 538 (not exterior wires. or connections.

It will be apparent that the present invention provides a lighting unit'which is free from any When it is desired to replace the light [16 .it is only necessary to grasp the handle I90 and completely withdraw the assembly, at which time the lamp socket is readily accessible. The parts may be then assembled by merely re-inserting the lamp socket supporting unit into the sleeve and adjusting it until the light is properly alined and focused. It should be noted that no connections need be made or handled and that the operation is rendered so simple that no special skill is required.

A second lamp 226 extends into the compartment 22, being mounted in the socket 228 rigidly secured in the side wall of the compartment for the purpose-of lighting the interior thereof during inspection as well as leveling of the instrument; Thecompartment 22 is provided with a curved glass front 229. i

The present invention comprehends the selfactuation of these lamps from any convenient source of electrical current and to this end there is provided a transformer 230 for reducing or stepping down high alternating current voltages to those required by the lamps. A resistor 2321s also provided for the same purpose with relation to either direct or alternating current, these two units being mounted on the rear portion of the base I38, as clearly shown in Figure 2. The transformer and resistor are preferably mounted upon prong or screw bases which engage with shown in detail) so that these members'may be readily replaced in the event of failure. Current is supplied through the electric conduit L, the

parts being wired, as clearly shown in the wir- The main control ing diagram of Figure 15. switch 234 is mounted on the front wall of the compartment I14 while the double pole double throw switch 236 is mounted on the rear portion of the base casting I38 between the resistor 232 and the transformer 236, as see Figure 2. The double pole double throw switch 240 is mounted adjacent the switch 233 and servesthe purpose of selectively lighting either of the lamps H6 or 226.

Referring to the wiring diagram of Figure 15, it will be seen that, when the switch 234 is closed and the switch 236 is in the lefthand position, either direct or alternating current supplied by the leads L will be fed to'the lamp control switch 260. When the switch 236 is in righthand position, as viewed in Figure 15, the transformer 236 connected in circuit to transform alternating current from the line L for supply to the lamp circuits. i

In order to prevent inadvertent damage to the transformer by application of a direct current thereto the condenser 242 is interposed in the primary circuit. Thecondenser 242 is mounted in the compartment lid of the instrument, as shown in Figure 3. Electrical leads L and L are provided for the purpose of permitting operation of the device froma battery source of cur. rent and lead to suitable bindingposts L and L shown in Figure 2 on the base of the instrument.

The scale of the instrument comprises a translucent screen I 56, hereinbefore mentioned, mount. ed in a scale housing 264 shown more in detail in Figures 1, 2 and 12. The ends 2460f the scale housing are. rigidly secured about a pair of threaded legs or supports 243 which terminate in a cylindrical guide'member 250. These legs and cylindrical guide members are arranged in a pair of vertically extendingtubes 252 mounted on the base casting I38, as clearly shown in Figure 1. A knurled adjusting member 254 threadedly engages ,the supporting legs 248. Accordingly, the scale housing 244 may be vertically adjusted by manipulation of the knurled member 256 which normally rests directly on the horizontal upper edge of the tubes 252. For convenience in adjustingor dismantling the instrument the entire scale housing 244 may be bodily lifted out of the tubes 252 since the cylindrical portions 256 are freely slidable therein.

The forward portion of the base casting I38 is configurated to support the inclined control panel indicated generally by the reference numeral 256, interiorly of which are positioned the instruments'indicated more in detail in the schematic wiring dagrams shown in Figures 13 and 14. This portion of the instrument is devoted to those units which function as ancillary to the measurement of the small electrical currents to which the present invention relates and it is a purpose of the present invention to limit all of the con-' necting wires carrying the so-called line currents and voltages to the compartment I14 and to the rear portion of the base and to separate this from the measuring control instruments by means of a metallic shielding partition (not shown in detail).

The inclined control panel 256 is mounted on an enlarged forward portion of the base, containing interiorly thereof the operative parts of the various instruments to be hereinafter described more in detail. It is thought unnecessary to specifically define each of these instruments in view of the fact that they individually comprise structures of well known form and con struction.

Reference is made more specifically to Figure 1 v It will be understood that these resistances are such as to render the galvanometer capable of giving a wide range of readings, depending upon the setting of the contact arm, 264. According to one preferredfornr of the invention, for example, the righth'andmost resistance unit of the shunt resistance will, for example, have-aresistance of 20; ohms, thenext succeedingunit a resistance of ohms, the third unit areading of. 1,800 ohms, thefom'th,w.18',000 ohms,''etc.

. Thus, whenthecontact arm 266. is-moved-to the left, as viewed in Figure 14, the making ofacircuit with each contact will increase the sensitivity of the galvanometer ten times over' the previous contact point.- The switch point will,

accordingly, ingeneral be moved tothe 'left for the measurement of weak currents and to" the right for the measurement 'of' reIatiVely s'trong currents.- The present invention contemplates-an instrument which is, among other things; very useful in determining and measuring an electrical-characteristic of a livinganimal organism and it-has been found in thislconnection. that, :whemdissimilarelectrodes areapplied .to the surfacefof living animal tissue, an electrical current will pass through the circuit connecting the electrodes. It has further been found that currents of undeviating constancy flow when a relatively large series resistance is interposed in the circuit. For the purpose of enabling the measurement of this factor, a further resistance unit 286 is arranged as shown in Figure 14, being out of the shunt circuit but in series with the galvanometer when the contact arm 268 is moved in contact with itsrespective switch point 268.

It is contemplated that this resistance be relatively large, for example, in the neighborhood of 10 megohms, although it will be apparent that it may be varied within wide limits in accordance with the particular'use in which it is to be employed. A further contact point 218, adapted to becontacted by the arm 288, connects with the variable resistancefil? which in turn is connected by the conduit 216 to an intermediate point on the shunt resistance.

The control for the variable resistance 2'12 is shown more clearly in the lower righthand corner of the panel, Figure 1.

Variable series resistance 21d mounted in the upper lef-thand corner of the panel is in series with the galvanometer circuit shown in Figure 14, for the purpose of calibrating the instrument and adjusting the scale reading in accordance with a predetermined standard. As is well known, instruments of this kind, which are very sensitive, may be subject to some variation in service which must be compensated for by periodic comparison with known standards. So also there may be a normal slight variation in characteristics of the instruments as produced, which variation is standardized by the insertion of a suitable fixed resistance 218 in series with the variable resistance 278, it being understood that the resistance 218 will be varied in accordance with the original setting of the particular instrument.

The leads 288 and 282 of the galvanometer circuit are connected to separate poles of the triple pole double throw switch S which, when thrown to the lefthand position viewed in Figure 14, connects the galvanometer to the calibration circuit a while, inthe righthand position, places'the mmerely withdrawing it from contact with the spring fingers and inserting a fresh cell, it being understood that suitable electric conduits (not shown) in circuit with the contacts 288 and 280 extend through the casing to the forward portion of the instrument beneath the instrument panel 256. One of these conduits 282 leads to the third pole of the switch 8 shown in Figure 14, the other conduit 284 extending to the milliammeter 286 shown in the central upper portion of the panel 288. In series with the milliammeter are the variable resistor 288 and the i fixed resistor 888.

The other end of the resistor 808 connects through electric conductor 382 with the topmost contact point of the switch S The resistor 388 is tapped at an intermediatepoint by the conductor 304 which leads to the central lefthand-contact point of the Switch S The branch conductor 382 is further connected to the lowermost lefthand contact point of the switch. When the switch S is, therefore, in the lefthand position, electrical current supplied from the cell 284 is caused to flow through the circuit comprising the milliammeter 296, the variable resistor 298, the fixed resistor 30d and the lower branch conductor 302. A. relatively smaller current will, accordingly, be caused to pass through the circuit comprising the conductor 3%, the tapped off upper portion of the resistor 388 designated by the numeral 386 and the galvanometer and galvanometer control circuit.

In accordance with the present invention it is contemplated that thetapped ofi' portion 386 be of carefully predetermined value with respect to the entire resistance of the unit 800 so that the current flowing in the galvanometer circuit will bear a definite predetermined relationship to the current flowing in the circuit comprising the cell 288 and the milliammeter 295. Applicant is thus enabled to accurately adjust the current flowing in this last named circuit through the agency of the variable resistor 298 with the assurance that the current supplied in. the galvanometer circuit bears a definite relation thereto. For example, if the entire resistor 880 has a resistance value of 220 ohms with the resistance of the tapped off section amounting to 20 ohms, it will be apparent that a definite E. M. F. will be imposed across the conduits leading to the galvanometer control circuit.

A pair of binding posts 888 are provided at the lower edge of the panel for connection to a source of electricity to be measured by the instrument. One of these terminals connects through the conductor 8! with the top righthand contact point of ,the switch S the other terminal being connected with the conductor -8l2 which is grounded as at 3 and connects with one of the blades of the double pole double throw switchS.

The other blade of the switch S is connected by conductor M8 to the central righthand contact member of the switch S The upper lefthand contact member of the switch S connects through the conductor 8l8 with the same point. When the switch S is thrown to the uppermost position, as viewed in Figure 14, with the switch S closed to the right, a circuit will be completed across the terminals 888 through the conductor M2 and the switch S to the conductor 8l8 and the central pole of the switch S in the galvanometer circuit, the return lead of the circuit being completed by the conductor 282 of the galvanometer circuit, the upper blade of the switchand the conductor H8.

The instruments constructed in accordance with the present invention are adapted to permit the interposition of a relatively constant resistance in circuit with the source to be measured regardless of the particular setting of the callbrating series resistance or the other control resistances in the galvanometer circuit. In other words, it has been found that, as the resistance 216, for example, is varied in accordance with the calibration of the instrument or the paraccordance with the circuit in which it is placed.

electrolytic action of living animal tissue, it has been found desirable to assure the interposition of a relatively constant series resistance so that the readings obtained at different times under difierent circumstances will be comparable. To this end, the present invention provides a shunt in-put circuit comprising the resistor 320 which connects at one end to the conductor 3H) and at its other to the conductor 322 leading to the lower lefthand contact of the switch S The conductor 324 from the righthand lower contact of the switch S taps oif a portion of the resistance 320, the tapped ofi portion being indicated by the numeral 326.

When the switch 8 is thrown to lowermost position, as viewed in Figure 14, the source of current to be measured will be in circuit with the conductor M0, the entire resistance 320, the conductor 322, the lefthand blade of the switch S and the conductor 3l2. The resistance 320 will obviously be fixed regardless of the setting of the other instruments. The galvanometer will be interposed in and will derive its current from the circuit comprising the conductor 3I0, the tapped off portion 326 of the resistor, the

conductor 324, the righthand blade of the switch S and the conductor 3| 6, it being understood that the conductors 3I0 and 3E6 are in series with the' galvanometer circuit through the medium of the switch S.

It will be seen from the above that, with the shunt in-put circuit as shown, any variations in the resistance of the galvanometer circuit will produce only .a relatively small variation in the in-put circuit. For example, according to one 200 ohms.

only a 2% change in the in-put circuit and for this reason the resistance in the circuit being measured, is virtually independent of variations in the calibration resistance or in other of the variable resistances of the instrument.

The circuit diagram shown in Figure 13 is the same as the circuit shown in Figure 14, but is schematic in character, being simplified for the purpose of illustrating the relative arrangement of the in-put shunt as, well as the galvanometer control shunt.

In use, the instrument is first placed upon a suitable supporting surface and leveled'through the agency of the knurled adjusting seat it until the top of the coil is centered within the ring 88, as viewed through the sighting glass or telescope I40; It will be understood from the above disclosure that the galvanometer coil 30 will be first released by rotating the control knob I08 to the right, as viewed in Figure 1.

After grounding the binding post 3, the electrical leadL is plugged'in a suitable source of electric current or, if desired, the current may be .derived from a battery by connecting the leads of the battery to the binding posts L and L", If, for example, the lead L is connected with a source high sensitivity instruments now in use.

of direct current, the switch 236 on the rear of the instrument will be actuated to theposition indicated by the letters DC, placing the resistance 232 in circuit. If a source of alternating current is used, the switch 236 is thrown to the opposite position so that the transformer 230 may be lens barrel I62 and upon the angularly arranged mirror I52 to the reflecting mirror led on the galvanometer coil and thence to the scale I50. The hair-line image will be centeredupon the scale by rotating theknurled control handle I88.

The illuminating lamp I10 will be adjusted to produce a sharp image by grasping the knob or handle portion 590' to elevate the entire assembly and/or adjust it in a transverse plane, as hereinbefore mentioned.

The-switch s is then closed. to the left position, as viewed in Figure 14, and the variable resistance 298 adjusted to produce a predetermined reading upon the milliammeter corresponding to a desired current flow in the galvanometer circuit and the galvanometer reading carefully noted. The variable resistance 216 may be adjusted to position the galvanometer in accordance with a predetermined standard. If necessary at this time the upper suspension control handle 56 may be angularly adjusted to set the zero point.

, .In using the instrument for electrical measuring purposes the binding posts 308 are connected to'a source of electricity to be measured at which time the switch S may be in either operative position. The galvanometer may be actuated in a known manner to determine the characteristics .of the electrical current flowing in the circuit.

It has been found, according to the present invention, that the switch S is preferably actuated to throw the in-put shunt 820 into circuit when the currents'to be measured are relatively large, in view of the fact that, with only a relatively small resistance in series with the galvanometer, the damping characteristics thereof may vary in an undesirable degree.

The present invention provides a high sensitivity electrical current measuring instrumentwhich is portable to a high degree and capable of use in situations which would be unfavorable to The present galvanometer may be set up at. substantially any point and be promptly used to make electrical measurements with the highest degree of accuracy and dependability. All of the necessary adjustments and calibrations can be made by an unskilled operator'and any necessary replacement of parts will be effected by a few simple steps. For example, 'shouldthe instrument be inadvertently moved without rotating the control knob I00 to lift the coil fromits suspension, automatic means comes into actionito produce this efiect and prevent damage to the are connected to the terminals of the instrument, namely, the binding posts 308, and are contacted at spaced points with the surfaces of the tissue &

of the animal organism. Under these circumstances, electrical current is caused to flow in the galvanometer circuitwhich has been found to vary in accordance with the variations in conductivity ofthe intervening tissues. The use of the in-put shunt resistance has been found to permit'accurate relative comparison of the condition of different organisms at all times.

It will be understood that the use of the instrument of the present invention in the examination of animal tissue is purely illustrative and that the instrument may be used in general in any situation wherein it is desired to measure or to otherwise determine the characteristics of an electrical current or charge.

Changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the several parts with out departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages, the form herein described being a preferred embodiment for the purpose of illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. In a combination with a galvanometer comprising a magnet and a coil rotatably arranged in said magnetic field, suspension means for the coil, means for angularly adjusting the suspension with respect to the axis of the coil, means for lifting the coil ofi its suspension when in disuse, cam control means for actuating the lifting means, and interlocking means associated with .the cam and adapted to engage the lifting means and lock said lifting means in coil engaging position whereby to positively maintain the coil in supported position at all times.

. 2. In combination with a galvanometer comprising a coil arranged in a magnetic field and having suspension means therefor, means'adapted to lift the coil offits suspension when in disuse, means for actuating said lifting means into inter-engagement with the coil, yieldable means for urging the lifting means into coil engaging position, means for actuating said coil lifting means away from coil engaging position, and interlocking means associated therewith for positively interengaging the lifting means against vertical movement in coil engaging position whereby to maintain the coil positively in supported position.

3. In combination with a galvanometer comprising a magnet and a coil rotatably arranged in said magnetic field, suspension means for the coil, lever means for engaging the coil and clamping it in a position where it is lifted fromthe suspension, cam control means for actuating said lever to coil engaging and coil releasing positions, detent means retaining said cam in a plurality of operative positions, and interlocking means operatively associated with the cam to engage the lever for locking the lever in coil engaging position.

4. In combination, a galvanometer comprising a magnet for creating a magnetic field, a coil rotatably suspended in said magnetic field, suspen- F sion means for supporting the coil in said magnetic field, and means to support the galvanometer in operative position, locking means for engaging the coil and supporting the coil with respect to the suspension during periods of disuse, and means automatically operableto actuate the locking means when the assembly is moved from operative position whereby to positively engage the coil at all times when the instrument is moved from said operative position.

75 5. In combination with a galvanometer comprising a coil movably mounted on suspension meanslocking means for engaging the coil and supporting the coil with respect to the suspension during periods of disuse, means automatically operable to actuate the locking means when the assembly is moved from operative position whereby to positively engage the coil at all times when the instrument is moved from said operative position, and manual control means associated with said automatically operable means and operable to control the locking means when the assembly is located in operative position.

6. In combination, a galvanometer comprising a magnet for creating a magnetic field, a coil rotatably suspended in said magnetic field, suspension means for supporting the coil in said magnetic field, and means to support the galvanometer in operative position, locking means for engaging the coil and supporting the coil with respect to the suspension during periods of disuse, means automatically operable to actuate the locking means when the assembly is moved from operative position whereby to positively engage the coil at all times when the instrument is moved from said operative position, said automatic means comprising a supporting member having a contact portion adapted to be supported when the galvanometer is arranged in operative position and movable to actuate the locking means when the assembly is shifted, control means for actuating the coil engaging means to a position to lift and lock the coil, and a lost motion connection between said supporting member and the control means whereby the control means is movable when the galvanometer is mounted in operative position upon a supporting means.

'7. In an instrument of the class described comprising a galvanometer having. a magnetic field and a coil suspended in the field, clamping means adapted to engage and support the coil when in disuse, said clamping means comprising a clamping member adapted to engage a portion of the coil, a supporting bracket for the clamping memher, said clamping member having spaced supporting portions providing a passageway therebetween, and releasable interconnecting means for securing the said supporting portions in fixed, predetermined position upon the supporting bracket.

8. In an instrument of the class described comprising a galvanometer having a magnetic field and a coil suspended in the field, clamping means adapted to engage and support the coil when in disuse, said clamping means comprising a clamping member adapted to engage a portion of the coil, supporting means for the clamping memher, said clamping member terminating in spaced arms providing a passageway therebetween and releasable interconnecting means on the supporting means. and having a portion adapted to engage the clamping member adjacent said passageway for closing the passageway and for securing the said arms in fixed, predetermined position upon the supporting means.

9. In an instnnnent of the class described adapted to be arranged upon a suitable support, comprising a galvanometer having a magnetic field and a galvanometer coil assembly comprin'ng a. coil arranged in said field and coil suspension means therefor, means for adjusting the angular position of the instrument with respect to said support for controlling the vertical position of said coil within the magnetic field, means for locating the coil in predetermined operative position in the field comprising a fixed member engaging about a portion of thecofl assembly but spaced therefrom for centering the coil centrally thereof, and sighting means di rected toward said fixed member and disposedto disclose the relative position of the coil with respect to said fixed member. 7 v v 10. An instrument ofv the class described adapted to be arranged upon a suitable support,

comprising-a galvanometer having a galvanometer coil assembly comprising a coil and coil suspension means, means for adjusting the angular position of the instrument with respect to the support for controlling the location of the coil within the instrument, means for 10- cating the coil in predetermined operative position comprising a ring substantially embracing a portion of the coil assembly but normally spaced therefrom, and sighting means directed toward 7 the plane of said ring and toward the central axis light, light directing means for transmitting thereof to visually disclose the position-of the coil 1 with respect to the ring." v

11. In a galvanometer comprisinga frame and a galvanometer coil suspended in a magnetic fleld, said coil being provided with a reflecting mirror, a screen in juxtaposition to the mirror for indicating the reading of the galvanometer, an illuminating system comprising a source of ing means with respect to its mounting.

12. In a galvanometer comprising a frame and a galvanometer coil, said coil being provided with reflecting means-adapted to direct a reflected image upon an indicator screen, an illuminating system comprising light directing means for transmitting illumination froma light source, said light directing means comprising means for bending a ray of light and directing it toward said reflecting means, and means to control the position of the reflection on the,

screen comprising means movably mountingsaid light bending means, and means for angularly adjusting said light bending means with respect to its mounting.

13. In a galvanometer comprising a fram .and a galvanometer coil suspended ina magnetic field, said coil being provided with a reflecting mirror, 2. screen in juxtaposition to the mirror for'indicating the reading of the galva-' nometer, an illuminating system comprising a source of. light, a lens barrel rotatably mounted in the frame, means for projecting an image on the screen to indicate the reading of the galvanometer, and comprising a reflector mounted .on the barrel and adapted to direct light therefromat an angle to the axis of the barrel, and means to rotatably adjust the position on the barrel to determine the position of the reflection on the screen.

14. In a galvanometer comprising a frame and a galvanometer coil suspended in a magnetic fleld, said coil being provided with a reflecting mirror, a screen in juxtaposition to the mirror for indicating the reading of the galvanometer, an illuminating system comprising a source of light, a lens barrel mounted in the frame, means for projecting an image on the screen to indicate the reading of the galvanometer, and comprising a reflector mounted on the barrel and adapted to direct light f therefrom at an; angle to the axis of the barrel, said reflector being means to rotatably adjust the position of the a mounted for rotation about an axis substantially. I coincident with the axis ofsaid lens barrel, and

reflector about its axis to" determine the position} of-the reflection on the screen,

15. A galvanometer'coniprising a galvanometer coillmounted in a magnetic field, acasing'for' the galvanometer, means f associated with the casing for directing a beam'of 'light to the scale of the instrument, a sourc'ebf illumination for said light directing means comprising a lamp, mounting means for said'lamp adapted to 'support the lamp within the casing and having a manually actuable portion projecting exteriorly of the casing, the mounting means being ir movably supported in the casing, and contact members on the mounting means and adapted to engage contact members on the casing for supplying current for'energi'zing thelampfi 16. A galvanometercomprising a galvanometer coil mounted in a-magnetic' field, a casing fin the galvanometer, means associated with the casing for directing a beam of light to the scale of the instrument, a source of illumination for said light directing means comprising a lamp,

a lamp supporting socket for the lamp, and receiving means for the socket and resiliently engaging the socket whereby the socket may be adjustably moved axially thereof, said receiving means having a flange extending therefrom, the surface of the flange being resiliently contacted by clamping means and being relatively movable substantially in the plane of the said flange against the resistance of the clamping means whereby the lamp is adjustable in a plurality of transverse planes with respect to the light directing means .for focusing and centering the light with respect thereto. v 17. A galvanometer comprising a casing and a scale, and means associated with the casing for,

directing a beam of light to the scale, said lastnamed means comprising lamp supporting means on the casing, said lamp supporting means being adapted to support a lamp upon the casing for adjustment axially of the lamp and for adjustment in a plane normal to the axis of the lamp, said supporting means being operative to yieldably hold the lamp in any adjusted position whereby the lamp isadjusted in a plurality of transverse planes for focusing and centering purposes.

18. A galvanometer having a magnetic field and a coil movably mounted in the magnetic field, said parts being arranged in a vertically upstanding housing, a forwardly extending base contiguous with the lower end of said vertical housing, and a second housing disposed on said base forwardly of said first-named housing and spaced therefrom, said second-named housing having an elevation lower than said first-named housing and having a front wall inclined downwardly and providing a. control panel in front adjacent the end of said support, resilient means .fr ictionally coacting with the flange; to tension the control means; and a clamping member ad- .justablymovable axially of said support and having flange means radially opposed to said first mentioned flange on the side opposite said support, said clamping member cooperating with movement in a rotational direction.

20. ,In a galvanometer comprising a frame and a galvanometer suspension, means for supporting said suspension comprising a support on the frame, control means in said support adapted to receive said suspension and being rotatable coaxially of said suspension, flange means releasably secured to said control means and extending radially therefrom, said flange means being supported by said-support, resilient means frictionally coacting with the flange to tension the control means, and a clamping member on said support for clamping said flange and resilient means therebetweemsaid control means having a manual control member located beyond the clamping member, and means to adjustably release said flange from the control means for vertically adjusting the suspension.

21. In a galvanometer of the suspension coil type, comprising means for creating a magnetic field, a coil suspended in said field, and upper and lower suspensions extending oppositely from said coil, a lower connecting bracket for said lower suspension mounted upon a fixed portion of said galvanometer and extending outwardly to a point below said coil, said bracket having a socket formed therein at said point and opening upwardly, a suspension terminal member having a portion complementary to said socket and adapted to be received in said socket when vertically lowered therein, saidsocket supporting said terminal member for angular rotation about an axis coaxial with the axis of movement of said coil, said terminal member being freely vertically separable from said socket and having means thereon for attachment to the lower end of the lower coil suspension, a manually en gageable flange portion on said terminal member above the socket engaging portion for angularly adjusting the terminal member within the socket, and means adjustable for selectively clamping said terminal member in any angular position within the socket.

FRANCIS C. ELLIS. 

